The Liberty Seated Half Dollar, designed by Christian Gobrecht, holds a distinguished place in U.S. numismatic history. Spanning over five decades, this series reflects both artistic evolution and historical milestones, making it a favorite among collectors.
Key Specifications
- Designer: Christian Gobrecht
- Issue Dates: 1839–1891
- Composition:
The Liberty Seated Half Dollar, designed by Christian Gobrecht, holds a distinguished place in U.S. numismatic history. Spanning over five decades, this series reflects both artistic evolution and historical milestones, making it a favorite among collectors.
Key Specifications
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Designer: Christian Gobrecht
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Issue Dates: 1839–1891
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Composition:
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Diameter: 30.6 mm
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Weight:
- 13.36 grams (1839–1853)
- 12.44 grams (1853–1873)
- 12.50 grams (1873–1891)
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Edge: Reeded
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Mintages:
- Business Strikes: Varies by type (see details below)
- Proofs: Rare, with limited production across types
Design Highlights and Historical Context
Type 1: No Motto (1839–1853, 1856–1866)
This initial design featured Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding a liberty cap on a pole and a shield inscribed with LIBERTY.
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Notable Changes:
- Early 1839 issues lacked drapery on Liberty’s arm, which was added later that year.
- In 1842, reverse lettering was enlarged.
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Historical Significance:
- Weight reduction in 1853 (due to rising silver prices) introduced arrows and rays to some issues.
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Collectibility:
- Common in grades from Good to Extremely Fine, with AU examples frequently available.
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Uncirculated pieces are scarcer, with superb specimens being rare.
Type 2: Arrows and Rays (1853)
To signify a reduction in weight, arrows were added beside the date, and rays encircled the eagle on the reverse.
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Key Details:
- Produced only in 1853 at Philadelphia and New Orleans.
- This one-year design is a standout for type collectors.
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Collectibility:
- Common in mid-grades, with Uncirculated coins being scarce. Superb pieces are rare.
Type 3: No Motto, Arrows (1854–1855)
Similar to Type 2 but with the rays removed.
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Historical Context:
- Continued weight reduction led to this simplified design.
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Notable Variety:
- The 1855/4 overdate is a prized collector's item.
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Collectibility:
- Readily available in grades from Good to Extremely Fine. Uncirculated coins are scarcer, but more common than the 1853 type.
Type 4: With Motto (1866–1873, 1875–1891)
Following the Civil War, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse on a ribbon above the eagle.
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Historical Significance:
- Reflects a shift in national sentiment post-war.
- Low mintages from 1879–1890 due to focus on silver dollar production.
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Collectibility:
- Common dates (e.g., 1875–1878 Philadelphia issues) are accessible in mid-grades.
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AU coins are scarcer, while Uncirculated and superb pieces are rare.
Type 5: With Motto, Arrows (1873–1874)
To reflect an increase in weight, arrows were added beside the date.
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Historical Context:
- Arrows were used only for these two years, signifying a unique type.
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Rare Issue:
- The 1874-CC is a standout rarity, with just 59,000 minted.
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Collectibility:
- Common in mid-grades, with Extremely Fine and AU examples being scarcer. Uncirculated coins are rare.
Why Collect Liberty Seated Half Dollars?
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Historical Significance: This series chronicles key moments in U.S. history, from the California Gold Rush to post-Civil War recovery.
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Variety: With multiple types and unique variations, there’s something for every collector.
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Availability: While rarities exist, many dates are accessible in mid-grades, making the series ideal for both beginners and advanced collectors.
Explore Liberty Seated Half Dollars at ParadimeCoins.com
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